Harry Ronald Rowlands

Harry Ronald Rowlands left this world on October 26, 2021. Harry was born on February 16, 1932 in Sharon, Pennsylvania to Harry and Della Rowlands. He attended Hickory High School, and after graduation, he joined the Army. He was in the Army from 1951 to 1955 and served in the Korean War for 11 months. He was proud of his service to his country, and he was a patriot until the day he died. Harry finished out his service to the military in Albuquerque, NM where he met his wife, Thelma Schipper. They were married on November 6, 1953. After his discharge from the Army, he worked for Mountain Bell Telephone Company and retired after 30 years. During his time at the Telephone Company, he served in many positions: starting out as a Splicer’s Helper and retiring as a Telecommunications Engineer/Facilities Manager. Known for the quality of his work, Harry also helped pioneer laser and fiber optics telecommunication infrastructure. He was even invited to go to Bell Labs and sought out to do telecommunications work internationally.

Harry was very active in the church and involved in community work. He served in Toastmaster’s International and Lions Club holding many offices, including president. He also served as an elder for Ridgecrest Christian Church in Albuquerque, NM. After he retired, Harry and Thelma moved to Abilene, Texas to be near family. In Abilene, Harry was active in the University Church of Christ. He had a passion for prison ministry and taught Bible classes at Middleton Prison for over 15 years. At Middleton, he influenced many young men and set a Christ-like example for the inmates and the staff there.

Harry was dedicated to his family. He spent much of his time teaching his children and grandchildren about the love of God. Harry was very handy and enjoyed fixing things for others. He also enjoyed passing his knowledge of these basic life skills on to the next generation. Harry cherished his time with loved ones, and he especially enjoyed family camping trips and family gatherings.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Della Rowlands, his brother Charles Rowlands, and son-in-law Chris Thomas.

Harry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Thelma Rowlands; his brother, Dan Rowlands and his wife, Rita, of Crossville, TN; his sister-in-law, Sue Rowlands, of Santa Rosa, CA; his three children: Betsy Thomas of Abilene, TX; Steve Rowlands and his wife, Kim, also of Abilene, TX; and Patricia Gaeto, and her husband, Paul, of Greenville, SC. Harry is survived by seven grandchildren: Jenna Peña (Billy), Jon Thomas, Alyssa O’Brien (Josh), Samuel Gaeto, Lillian Gaeto, Nathaniel Rowlands, and William Rowlands. Additionally, Harry is survived by three great-grandchildren: Abraham Peña, Sophia Peña, and Raegan O’Brien.

A memorial service will be held Friday morning November 5th at 10:00 am in the chapel at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St.  A time of visitation with the family will follow the service.

The family wants to express their appreciation to Hendrick’s Hospice Care for their compassionate support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations in Harry’s name be made to the Christian Service Center of Abilene, TX or to Hendrick’s Hospice Care of Abilene, TX.